The European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) is a residential, non-academic program at the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) in Italy. It targets mid-career policy professionals with a minimum of 10 years of solid professional experience in policy-making across various sectors (politics, civil service, NGOs, media). The program emphasizes diverse hands-on policy experience over traditional academic training. Fellows receive a basic monthly grant of €2,500, reimbursement for travel (up to €1,200), and optional family allowances. Fellowships are offered for five or ten months (September 2025–January 2026 or September 2025–June 2026). The application deadline for the 2026-2027 call is January 23, 2026 (14:00 CET).
Fully Funded European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leader Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | EUI Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) 2026 |
| Host Country | Italy (Florence School of Transnational Governance) |
| Category | Fellowships / Professional Development |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship |
| Duration Options | 5 Months (Sept–Jan) or 10 Months (Sept–June) |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 (14:00 CET) |
Fully Funded European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leader Fellowship 2026 Details
The Policy Leader Fellowship (PLF) at the EUI’s Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) is a unique residential program designed to bring mid-career professionals into a high-level academic environment to contribute to and learn about EU policy-making processes.
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Fully Funded European University Institute (EUI) Policy Leader Fellowship 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: Financial and Family Support (Full Sponsorship)
This tier outlines the direct financial benefits provided to the fellows to ensure full commitment to the residential program in Florence.
- Basic Grant: A basic grant of €2,500 per month is provided to cover living expenses. This fellowship grant is not taxed by the EUI.
- Travel Reimbursement: Fellows receive reimbursement for the incoming trip from their place of origin to Florence and the outgoing trip to their destination. The maximum combined amount for travel reimbursement is €1,200.
- Family Allowances: A household allowance of up to €300 per month is available for a partner who resides with the Fellow in Florence, provided the partner’s monthly income is less than €2,000.
Tier 2: Professional and Institutional Access
These benefits focus on leveraging the EUI’s status as a top academic institution to advance the Fellow’s policy expertise and network.
- Residential Policy Development: Fellows must reside in Florence for the duration of the fellowship (5 or 10 months) to actively participate in STG activities.
- Networking and Community: Direct access to the STG and EUI faculty and researcher community, allowing fellows to form lasting professional and personal connections and engage in peer discussions.
- EU Policy Insight: Provides fellows with an insider view into EU policy-making processes, enhancing their understanding of transnational governance.
Tier 3: Work Plan and Impact Focus
Evaluation places a strong emphasis on the applicability and potential impact of the individual work plan within the transnational policy context.
- Focus Area Alignment: Preference is given to applicants whose field of work aligns broadly with the STG programmes and faculty research areas, ensuring mutual contribution and benefit.
- Thematic and Geographic Diversity: The program actively strives for thematic and geographic diversity, as well as gender balance, among the fellows, ensuring a rich exchange of global policy experiences.
Eligibility Requirements for European University Institute Global Leaders Fellowship 2026
The PLF is specifically designed for mid-career policy professionals; applicants with a strictly academic profile are typically not considered.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Mid-career professionals able to demonstrate solid professional experience (minimum 10 years) in a given policy area.
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
- Must be self-motivated and driven, capable of autonomously accomplishing the activities presented in the fellowship work plan.
- Study Status:
- Must be available to reside in the area of Florence for the full duration of the 5- or 10-month fellowship (possibility of short visits outside Florence is permitted).
- Visa Status:
- Open to applicants from All Countries (Eligible Countries: All Countries).
- Program Admission:
- Must be an open-minded and curious individual willing to engage in peer discussions on diverse topics.
- Must be able to articulate what difference the fellowship experience will make to their professional journey and what they can offer to the STG.
How to Apply for European University Institute Fellowship (Step by Step)
The application process is handled entirely through the EUI’s online application portal.
- Select Duration: Determine your preferred fellowship duration: Five months (September 2025 – January 2026) or Ten months (September 2025 – June 2026).
- Prepare Work Plan and CV: Develop a detailed fellowship work plan that demonstrates professional substance, feasibility, applicability in a transnational policy context, and potential impact. Update your CV to highlight your minimum 10 years of policy experience.
- Register Application Early: Register your application as soon as possible via the online portal to allow sufficient time for your referees to submit their mandatory reference letters.
- Submit Application: Submit your complete application, including the required documentation and work plan, through the online portal by the deadline. Paper or email applications will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: 23 January 2026 (14:00 CET)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for the European University Institute Policy Leader Fellowship?
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 call is 23 January 2026 (14:00 CET).
2. Is an academic background or PhD required for this fellowship?
No, the program is aimed at mid-career policy professionals with hands-on experience (minimum 10 years). Candidates with a strictly academic profile typically will not be considered.
3. What is the amount of the basic monthly grant provided to Fellows?
The basic grant provided to EUI Policy Leader Fellows is €2,500 per month.
4. What are the two duration options for the fellowship?
The fellowships are offered for either five months (September 2025 – January 2026) or ten months (September 2025 – June 2026).
5. Does the EUI reimburse travel expenses for the Fellow’s family?
No, the EUI only provides reimbursement for the incoming and outgoing travel of the Fellow (up to €1,200 maximum combined amount), not their families.
6. Is a household allowance available for a partner?
Yes, a household allowance of up to €300 per month is paid if the partner lives with the Fellow in Florence and their income is less than €2,000 per month.
7. Is the fellowship grant taxable by the European University Institute?
No, the fellowship grant is not taxed by the EUI. However, Fellows are responsible for complying with any other tax provisions applicable in their home country or Italy.
8. What is the minimum professional experience required to apply?
Candidates must be mid-career professionals able to demonstrate solid professional experience of a minimum of 10 years in a given policy area.
9. Which city and country must the Fellow reside in during the program?
Fellows must reside in the area of Florence, Italy, for the entire duration of their fellowship to actively participate in the EUI/STG activities.
10. Is an English language certificate, like IELTS, required for the application?
Based on the summary provided, there is No IELTS Required listed for this fellowship.
